The Top 10 Driving Test Mistakes for Guaranteed Fail

Everyone wants to pass their driving test the first time around,
but not all of us are capable of doing so regardless of how much we
practice in the local car park. A whopping 46.2% of prospective drivers
fail their test – that’s 336,352 out of 728,438 entrants. However, being
aware of the most common mistakes – as released by the Driving and Vehicle
Standards Agency themselves – could help you to make the grade on the
first try.

#1Poor junction observations

Errors recorded: 196,102
In order to pass this section, you should be able to judge
the correct speed of approach upon entering a junction safely and stop
where necessary. You should be well-positioned amongst your other
drivers and in the correct lane. You should watch out for crossing
pedestrians and any cyclists or motorcyclists coming up to you. You
should observe all of these when approaching a junction, and then make
sure it is safe to proceed before doing so. Failure to meet all of these
points will result in a fault.

#2 Not using mirrors when changing direction

Errors recorded: 127,266
You should check all of your mirrors, that means both wing
mirror and the rear view mirror, before signalling, changing direction
or changing speed. The Mirror Signal Manoeuvre method should be used
effectively, particularly if you’re changing direction sharply. More
than 125,000 people failed this part of the test because they didn’t
check their mirrors correctly thus failing the test.

#3 Incorrect road position when turning right

Errors recorded: 79,489
As with the top error of poor junction observations, you
should approach any junctions with a right turning at a suitable speed
and stop where necessary. When turning right, you should keep as near to
the centre of the road as possible as this is the safest way to
navigate a right turn. You should also avoid cutting the corner when
turning right, or you will receive a fault on your report.

#4 Poor steering control, particularly around corners

Errors recorded: 73,980
To pass this section, you should be safe and controlled.
Controlling a vehicle smoothly gives passengers and smooth and enjoyable
ride and also means less wear and tear on the vehicle. You should avoid
harsh steering, along with steering too early (as you’ll hit the kerb)
or too late (as you’ll swing out and hit another road user). Both of
these will result in a fault, potentially serious or dangerous if your
steering is particularly poor.

#5 Not moving off safely

Errors recorded: 70,007
Upon moving off, you should take as many precautionary
measures as possible. A car may be coming along the road and if you
don’t look correctly you risk hitting it – and failing your test.

#6 Poor response to traffic lights

Errors recorded: 68,877
Surprisingly, nearly 70,000 people failed this part of the
test, which on the surface seems like common sense. You should be able
to check that the road is clear before pulling off on a green light, and
be able to stop safely when the red light flashes.

#7 Poor positioning whilst driving

Errors recorded: 68,406
The vehicle should be positioned to the left whilst you a
driving. You should keep well clear when passing parked cars and always
be positioned suitable to the direction in which you want to turn (to
the left for left, and towards the centre of the road for right turns).
In marked lines you should keep to the centre and avoid crossing over
into other lanes or changing lanes unnecessarily.

#8 Not moving off in a controlled manner

Errors recorded: 62,426
Another common failure is not moving off in a controlled
manner. Whether you’re asked to pull off on level ground, a gradient or
an angle you should do so smoothly as this gives a better experience to
the passenger – or in this case your driving examiner.

#9 Uncontrolled reverse park

Errors recorded: 59,634
Much like the move off and the steering, you should not only
be able to reverse park but also do it smoothly. You should take all
safety measures to ensure that the immediate vicinity is safe, and
ensure that you have considered other road users before attempting any
reverse manoeuvre.

#10 Poor response to road markings

Errors recorded: 50,904
Road markings are there for a reason, and you should show
that you’ve observed them during your test. Whether its zebra crossings
or U-turn lanes, you should ensure that you’ve taken all of the safety
measures into account before attempting your move.

So
if you’ve got your test coming up, be sure to keep these common errors
in mind. Provided you don’t fail any of the test elements, you’ll be
well on your way to passing your test and joining the millions of other
drivers already on the road. Good luck!